When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform a sign of some sort.
Luke 23:8 NIV
During earthly Jesus’ ministry, many people were crowding after Him for different reasons. There were the disciples He chose by HImself which were fewer than the others among the multitude following after Him. However, I would like to note that the people all had their reasons for following. Most were not necessarily seeking because they were interested in the eternal life Christ had come to give but because of personal gain. The reason why men seek Jesus is as important as the seeking itself.
Imagine the extent to which the majority went to see Jesus but for the peripherals. Some travelled a long distance to see Jesus, yet they did not have eternal life. They came looking for food, signs and wonders, healings, etc., but, not eternal life. As wonderful as these are, the reality is that they are not the most important. Those among the people who were fed with the five loaves and two fishes had their fill for that day, but they became hungry again. If their reason for seeing Jesus was for the food, then their mission was accomplished at that moment. Though they might want to keep following Him everywhere so that they can, however, Jesus was not performing the same miracle every time there was a need for food.
Likewise, those who came for and received healing did not receive the most important thing. Even if their illness never returned, they eventually died. Furthermore, those whom Jesus raised from the dead to life have also not received the most important thing. No matter how long they lived again, they died eventually. This is to emphasise that all of the above reasons, as good as they are, are not the most important reason to seek Jesus.
And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross daily [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me]. For whoever wishes to save his life [in this world] will [eventually] lose it [through death], but whoever loses his life [in this world] for My sake, he is the one who will save it [from the consequences of sin and separation from God]. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world [wealth, fame, success],and loses or forfeits himself?
Luke 9:23-25 AMP
In Luke 9:23, Jesus declared the unchanging standard for anyone who wants to be His true follower. Such must seek Jesus beyond satisfying themselves – they must seek beyond the earthly things. So, considering Jesus, saying this to His disciples, who have been following Him everywhere, the same standard holds for everyone.
However, Herod failed to realise the most crucial reason for seeking Christ. He has heard a lot about Him, however, he failed to acknowledge his need for eternal life. Herod was only after performance – signs and wonders. He was not seeking life. It was an opportunity for Him, but he missed it.
The question for you is this: “Why have you been looking for Jesus? What exactly do you want from Him?” There are provisions and healing with Him, but what about your eternity? What will it profit you to have all the money, good health, etc, but not eternal life? Why will you ignore the most important thing for temporary things?
In essence, seeking Jesus should go beyond the pursuit of miracles and personal gains. True fulfilment lies in the eternal life He offers. Recognise and prioritise the most important reason to follow Christ, ensuring your journey is aligned with His ultimate purpose.
